Vintage Altos, What to look for

[rs1sensen]

I have a Yas-23 alto sax and I love playing it. There is nothing I love more than playing my sax. I recently bought a new soprano and I am now looking at upgrading to a better alto sax. I have played the selmer Mark II and III but I have found better in some vintage instruments I've played. I am looking for any ideas of vintage horns to look for. I plan on playing this sax for as long as it still can make any sound so I have decided that money isn't too much of an issue and I don't particularly care about if its gold or silver plated as I don't think that effects the sound very much (if at all). I am looking for something with a great sound not looks (Even though those are good if it has a good sound too.) I am also willing to take time in my buy as I don't need a new sax right away. I'd rather find one I will really like. I play mostly jazz. Any ideas of great horns or things to look for would be appreciated. Also, as a side issue anyone who knows any good sax service and repair places in lower Michigan that would be appreciated too. I havn't been impressed with the local music stores. Thanks!

[Helen]

I have played the selmer Mark II and III but I have found better in some vintage instruments I've played.

I think you mean the Selmer Series II and III. The "Mark" designation ended with the Mark VIIs.

Since you've got the time, and you're not in a hurry, play as many different makes and models as you can. In the end it comes down to personal preference. Any horn will allow you to play jazz with it, and your mouthpiece/reed set up will factor in as well of course.

I have a Martin, a couple Conns, a Buescher, and some Selmers. They each have their own unique characteristics. I couldn't say for sure which one I prefer, and I would never recommend one over another. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses. There are certain things I like about each one, and other things I find frustrating.

I love nothing better than hunting for vintage horns. The search is part of whole process. Like I said, play as many different makes and models as you can. If your memory is like mine, take notes on the characteristics of each horn you play. And remember, if you lose out on one because it gets sold, or you don't make up your mind in time, it's no big deal. There's another one out there...Manufacturers made them by the thousands...

[rs1sensen]

I was pretty tired when I typed my post. it is Series II and Series III.
Thanks!

[mr00420]

A Selmer Mark VI is on eof the most desirable and sought after vintage horns, but this is reflected in their asking price... they also have the highest resale value. Selmer SBAs are very nice too, especially the serial #s close to the MVI's introduction.

I personally prefer King saxes. I love King Super 20s, but own a Zephyr. If you don't care about looks then there is very little difference between a Super 20 and a Zephyr as long as you know what serial # horns to look for. As long as they were made in Eastlake and before 1955 then it's usually an exceptional horn. Early Zephyrs have some nice engraving, but the S20s are really ornate horns. S20s also go for quite a hefty sum these days, so if you want the same horn w/ less flash (no underslung octave key) go for the Zephyr.

When I was buying a new horn I almost went for a Conn 6M (a.k.a. Naked Lady.) These too are incredible horns, and can be had for really great prices (usually.) They usually have the underslung octave key the King S20s are famous for and a neck tuner (which almost has almost no use w/ today's modern sized mouthpieces.) I still prefer the key action on the King horns, but I know alot of Conn's have really fast action. I think it's the shape of the keys that bugs me... later model horns have more ergonomically shaped keys which feel better under my fingers, but it's something you could easliy get used to. I know there are a lot of differences of opinion regarding the Conn 20M and 26M Conquerer horns, but many people like these horns. I think it just takes some time to play a few to weed out the suspect ones.

On the Saxgourmet site there is a very informative listing of prefered serial numbers for different makes of vintage horns along w/ a "blue book" price guide for the estimated value of these horns (many shops sell them for over this price though.)

With any horn, you should, of course, play it first and then play others that you may not even be that interested in so you have some basis for comparison. Use your normal set-ups on all the horns, even though you might eventually change it if you were to purchase a new horn... otherwise there are too many variables influencing your decision. You want to know what the horns sounds like when you play it, not what it sounds like when you play it w/ a new mouthpiece. You might want to bring a friend w/ you or even your better half (if they don't mind) to give you an objective point of view about how you sound to others on a new horn.

[knighttrain]

If you don't live to far away from Warren, MI, you might want to stop by. I have several vintage Altos you can try out.

[Bootman]

You need to look for several things when buying a vintage alto, the condition of the instrument and wether it has been butchered in the past or not is of critical importance in any vintage horn purchase.

Condition of Pads, Keywork, Resoldering (if any has been done) and corks is of less importance than wether the horn is bent, or parts are missing. All of these things can be fixed by a competant tech but it add to the cost of the instrument significantly. Even experienced buyers can be tricked by purchasing a horn from pictures on eBay. It is buyer beware when buying any used instrument unless you purchase one from a dealer.

All the best with you're up coming purchase. Please let us know how you go.